What is Little Kids, Big Hearts?
Little Kids, Big Hearts is a podcast produced by Sparkler Learning that can help parents and educators introduce big topics in social and emotional learning to their children. The podcast is hosted by Todd Loyd, an early childhood educator who expertly facilitates a conversation with young children, inviting them to share, imagine, and connect around big ideas like identity, helping, feelings, and community. In the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast, kids get to explore the imaginary Land of Qook-a-lackas. In each episode that we will explore in this curriculum, Todd guides a group of children on an imaginary journey to The Land, where they meet a Qook-a-lacka or a little Qook-a-leekies (played by guest stars) and help them solve a problem. The podcast also features stories, music, and interviews with real-life people to help children and families further explore each topic.
Using Little Kids, Big Hearts in Your Classroom
The Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Yoto, Youtube, and anywhere else that you get your kid-friendly podcasts! If you want to listen to episodes, or find episode resources, please visit us online at playsparkler.org/podcast.
You can find the links you need to implement this curriculum as you scroll down on this web page.
The curriculum guide itself and other materials are available in a google drive folder, which we’ll update with additional materials for teachers/families at 82nd Street Academics.
Questions? Email our education director, Dana Stewart, at dana@playsparkler.org.
Family Engagement Letter & Materials
This curriculum comes with a welcome letter to engage families — so they understand what their children are learning with Little Kids, Big Hearts. Please click here to find the text, which you can adapt and share with families at the start of the program. There are short letters and activities you can send home after each unit, which you’ll find throughout the curriculum guide.
Unit 1: Identity and Belonging
Play “What Makes YOU Special” from 00:00-06:00
Unit 2: Let's Work it Out
Play “Let’s Work It Out” from 00:00-05:45
Unit 3: Calming Down
Play “The Key to Calming Down” from 03:48-07:40
Unit 4: Gratitude
Play “Gratitude PowerUp” from 11:40-14:45
Unit 5: Feelings
Play “Feeling Angry!” from 00:00-01:26
Unit 6: Imagination
Play “Imagination Time” from 01:25-04:30